Immigration & Global Mobility

Today’s workforce is increasingly international, with companies competing for talent on a global scale.

It is more critical than ever to mobilise the skills and knowledge bases of the modern workforce across borders in order to reconfigure operations, respond to shifting demand or to enter new markets.

As businesses look to strategically deploy and secure talent, getting immigration right is a critical, but complex, process. Expert advice that can smooth the transition is vital. Our specialist approach minimises the risk of avoidable problems which can slow progress and provides fast turnaround solutions to any unexpected issues that arise.

From relocations for senior executives or even entire teams to high net worth individuals or high-profile celebrities or athletes – and their families – relocating on a temporary or permanent basis, we provide a truly personal, end-to-end service. Knowing how time-sensitive and stressful the process can be, we have the expertise to hit the ground running and minimise the impact on your business and the lives of the people involved.

Brexit and immigration – key steps to help you and your EU workforce prepare

From late 2018, EU nationals already in the UK will have to register and apply for settled status if they have been in the UK for five years. The Government also intends to end free movement of workers from the EU by 2021. Here are some points that every UK employer of overseas nationals ought to be aware to proactively manage these issues and protect your business.

As we learn more about the challenges ahead for our clients, contacts and their industries, we will add to this series of updates.

Accolades

“The team is knowledgeable and proactive in providing legislative updates.” (Chambers 2018)

Lewis Silkin LLP has ‘a very unstuffy, strong immigration team which excels in personal and corporate cases’ and advises clients across the legal, sports, fashion, media and entertainment, automotive and manufacturing industries. (Legal 500 2017)

High-quality team with a distinguished business immigration offering. Extensive inbound investment and PBS experience, frequently advising international businesses from a variety of sectors including finance and law. The department is particularly noted for its expertise advising on sports-related immigration work. (Chambers 2017)

"They are real partners, giving us not just legal advice but also supporting our wider business needs." (Chambers 2016)

"They were very responsive and efficient, and I always felt they were there when I needed to speak to them." (Chambers 2015)

What's happening in immigration law

Immigration and Brexit

03 April 2019

A few days after the UK’s exit from the European Union, Lewis Silkin’s immigration team will be holding a special Brexit training session to provide you with all the information you need to know about the UK’s withdrawal, whether that happens with or without a deal.

Joanna Hunt has commented in an article for Lexis Nexis which discusses Philip Hammond's recent announcement that PHD-level occupations will be exempt from the Tier 2 (General) visa cap from Autumn 2019.

Immigration fee changes from 29 March 2019

New Start-up and innovator categories and changes for investors from 29 March 2019

12 March 2019

On 7 March 2019 the Home Office published a Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1919), which contains substantial changes to business and investment-related immigration categories from 29 March 2019. These include the replacement of Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) with a new Start-up category, and the replacement of Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) with a new Innovator category. There are transitional arrangements to allow those in the existing entrepreneur category to extend their stay and settle in the UK. There is also a significant tightening of the requirements under the Tier 1 (Investor) category.